Wandering the World

El Patio 77: Mexico City’s First Eco-Friendly B&B

Since opening it’s doors in 2009, El Patio 77 currently stands as the only eco-friendly Bed & Breakfast in Mexico City and has continued to set the bar for sustainable tourism. Built in 1890, this mansion, like many Porfirian-style homes in the San Rafael neighborhood, had been neglected for decades until it was affectionately renovated to both preserve it’s history while simultaneously adapting to the needs of this era. The ornate design of El Patio 77 pays homage to it’s French and Neoclassical history while adding a touch of urban flare and Mexican traditionalism. Their eight intentionally designed rooms are named after specific Mexican states, each with decor reflecting the artistic traditions of that region. You can feel the creaking of the 100 year old rustic, wooden floorboards underneath you as walk down one of the hotel’s original staircases. The 14 foot high boveda brick ceilings and the grandiose 9 foot doors make small spaces feel exceptionally spacious. Further, common areas are have been designed to create a calm and tranquilizing atmosphere as they are saturated with natural light and greenery.

In the centralized neighborhood of San Rafael, El Patio 77 is strategically positioned between several touristic hotspots, including Paseo de La Reforma and El Centro Histórico. At check-in you are given a specially designed hotel map showing you the most popular neighborhoods as well as recommendations of where to eat. During your stay, a lovely breakfast of local fruits and pancakes accompanied with coffee and juice is served every morning from 8am-10am in the main courtyard. If you are looking for a guided experience, the hotel works with several local tour companies to offer an extensive selection of tours including walking tours of various neighborhoods, market food tours, day trips to Puebla and Taxco and hot air balloon rides over the Teotihuacan Pyramids. After a long day’s tour, find a moment of relaxation and book a massage with one of their qualified masseuses (packages options include therapeutic, swedish, thai, ayurvedic and reflexology for the hands and feet).

Aside from offering its guests a comfortable stay, sustainability is of utmost priority at El Patio 77. Signs have been posted in common areas and bathrooms educating guests of the water crisis in Mexico City and ways that they can be conscious of their water consumption. All water is warmed by two solar heaters installed on the roof which are positioned alongside a biological water harvesting system that collects rain water. Further, biodegradable shower gel, hand soap and shampoo are provided in all bathrooms which is asked by guests to use exclusively during their stay. One of the most notable additions to the hotel is the greywater filtering and purification system that treats and reuses shower and sink water to then flush toilets. Further, many light fixtures and pieces of furniture were re-purposed to be re-integrated into the house. El Patio 77’s dedication to sustainable tourism in Mexico is nothing short of inspiring and is most duly expressed on the front page of their welcome packet: “In these walls we try to integrate a community of travelers with an interest in Mexico’s vast art and culture while respecting our primordial housing, the Earth. What history will you leave in these walls?”